Residential fire, safety and security monitoring using a sound monitoring screen saver

ABSTRACT

Methods useful with conventional personal computers provide automatic response to an identified alarm sound by sending a notification signal via the Internet only when a special sound monitoring program is active.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10/897,487filed Jul. 23, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,126,467.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to sound monitoring methods, systemsand devices useful in the home to enhance personal safety and to providehealth monitoring. Hazards people try to avoid at their homes andworkplaces include damaging fires and unwanted intruders such asburglars. These hazards cannot always be avoided, but damage from themcan be limited if prompt notification is given when they occur. At leastone embodiment of this invention relates more particularly to methods,systems and devices that provide an enhanced alarm and means of wakingchildren and the hearing impaired including the elderly in response toan emergency such as a fire. In other embodiments the invention providessafety and security monitoring and in yet other embodiments theinvention provides health monitoring for a large number of chronicdiseases. Each of these areas, including systems using a personalcomputer, is discussed below.

Smoke Alarm

The annual “cost” of residential fires in the U.S. includes billions ofdollars of property damage, and thousands of deaths and life-threateninginjuries. This occurs even though there are smoke alarms in most of theU.S. households and small businesses. The annual death rate is heavilybiased toward the young and the old.

It is now understood that the audio alarm used in standard smokedetectors is simply not always effective for awakening pre-teenchildren. Many children under the age of 13 sleep so soundly, especiallyin the first two hours of sleep, that a smoke alarm may not be loudenough to wake them. Smoke detectors have an intensity of about 80decibels and studies have shown that in deep sleep, only one in 20children will awaken to a sound of 120 decibels.

Deaf and elderly people with hearing impairments, and anyone who wearsor needs a hearing aid, are at a significantly increased risk of notawakening to the smoke alarm sounds. In fact, most smoke alarms producetheir audio alert in the 3 to 4 KHz range which is in the zone ofage-related hearing deficits.

The problem is compounded by the fact that many residences have smokedetectors outside of bedrooms. This is actually recommended to provideas early a warning as possible. For example, by the time a fire reachesa bedroom and a sleeping resident is awakened by an in-room detector,the fire may be widespread making it too late to escape. (This problemcan be avoided in new construction where communicating wired or wirelesssmoke detectors are designed so that when any one alarm sounds, they allsound, and they can therefore be placed both in and outside bedrooms.)Additionally, fire experts suggest that bedroom doors be closed at nightto act as functional fire and smoke barriers which can provide an extramargin of escape time. This sounds good but it presents a seriousphysics problem. Sound, like other radiated energy (e.g., heat andlight), obeys the Inverse Power Law. The Inverse Power Law means thatthe sound intensity decreases proportionately to the square of thedistance from the source. So, for example, a typical 85 dB smokedetector signal that must pass through a wall or closed door andtraverse the distance across and down to a sleeping child or adult isgreatly diminished in intensity, thereby also diminishing the chance towake a child or hearing impaired adult.

The KidSmart™ smoke detector addresses this problem by having a detectorabove the child's bed and utilizing a downward, directional speaker totry to increase the sound intensity at the child. While this improvesthe chances of waking the child, using in-bedroom smoke detectors todeliver a louder alert due to proximity is also not desirable, asdiscussed above, because there must be smoke present in the room priorto the alarm's sounding, thus reducing the time available for escape.

Remote monitoring of smoke detectors is also available with specializedfire detection systems and with most security systems, but it isexpensive and therefore not generally used for middle and low incomehousing including single family and multi-family buildings.

There is a need for enhanced fire alarms that are more effective forwaking sleeping children, the elderly and the hearing impaired, as wellas a need for simple and inexpensive monitoring of home fire alarms.

Safety and Security Monitors

When individuals are alone or sleeping, they can feel especiallyvulnerable. For example, most burglaries occur at night when people aresleeping. Elderly and handicapped people living alone can fall or havean accident and not get assistance for extended periods of time.“Latch-key” children can have an accident on the way home from schooland it may go unnoticed until after the parents get home from work. Notonly are these situations dangerous, but the potential for suchsituations also causes significant anxiety.

To reduce the dangers and relieve some of the related anxiety, a numberof home security systems have been brought to the market. Some of thesesystems include motion detectors that attempt to differentiate betweenhumans and pets, glass-break detectors, door and window contacts, andeven video surveillance cameras. Also, wireless pendant securitytransmitters are marketed to allow the elderly, in a sudden emergencyevent such as a fall or a heart attack, to simply push a button tonotify emergency help. These types of electronic instruments andassociated monitoring services can be quite expensive, so there is aneed for monitoring services that are readily available to middle andlower income levels.

Additionally, monitoring services are not generally available forworking parents checking on their school children. Parents often requiretheir children to call, e-mail or instant message them at work once theyget home from school, and this is very helpful. However, it would bepreferable to automatically notify the parent when the situation occurs;there is consumer demand and a real need for such a notification system.

Health Monitor

The long-term value of disease management is now becoming clear,especially for people who have one or more chronic conditions ordiseases. Disease management programs designed to get the optimumtreatment to the patient as early as possible can improve health carequality as well as save costs. Such program advantages apply to bothMedicare and private sector commercial health care markets, thusoffering a substantial return on investment for our nation's seniors.

Baby boomers may break an already strained healthcare delivery systemunless a system becomes available that allows for home monitoring, thusenabling home care and disease management. While it is economicallybeneficial to find ways to keep seniors with chronic ailments out of thehospital, other health problems could also benefit from home monitoring.For example, asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition which can be alife-threatening disease if not properly managed. Nighttime monitoringcan warn a patient or parent of an upcoming attack before more acutesymptoms appear. Similarly, obstructive sleep apnea and emphysema, whichoccur in both children and adults in large numbers, would benefit bynighttime monitoring.

There is a need for equipment and services that can inexpensivelymonitor health signs and provide appropriate responses.

Computer Applications

Very sophisticated monitoring systems include computer controlled homeand commercial building environmental, safety and security systems thatprovide both local and remote signals to indicate a detected status oralarm condition. Implementing these systems may require runningdedicated wire throughout a building while connecting sensors andcontrollers. Various other types of installations, including ones withwireless radio signal communication and ones using existing wiresystems, can also be provided.

Despite the existing systems, there is still the need for a simplified,sound-detecting, remote notification type of alarm monitoring thatrequires little or no additional hardware beyond what is already at alocation where the present invention is to be used, that automaticallyactivates and deactivates itself, and that enables a remote site to knowwhether it is operating properly. There is a need for more costeffective alarm monitoring to be available to most any home or businesshaving wired or wireless Internet access.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides improved devices and systems formonitoring and responding to emergency, safety, and health conditionswhich meet the needs described above. The present invention, in brief,monitors ambient sound to detect alarm conditions and provideappropriate responses. The invention utilizes a device, preferably abedside device and/or a personal computer and can be used in a number ofdifferent configurations and applications. The three major applicationsutilizing a bedside device are fire alarm detection, safety and securitymonitors, and health monitors, each of which is summarized separatelybelow. Use of a personal computer to perform many of these functions isalso summarized separately.

Fire Alarm Detection

Many people, especially children and those with hearing impairments, donot awaken from the alarm of a residential smoke detector. A method ofthis invention for waking an individual in response to an audible alarmfrom a pre-existing alarm device involves the following steps. A bedsidealarm unit is operated which comprises a microphone for receivingambient sounds and a microprocessor for detecting from sounds received,an alarm signal from a pre-existing alarm device. In response todetecting an alarm signal, the unit activates a waking device.“Pre-existing alarm device” refers to an audible alarm device that is,or could be, already used to provide an alarm. For example, in oneembodiment, the pre-existing alarm device is a smoke detector. Anaudible alarm from the smoke detector is detected using the bedside unitwhich controls a switch for supplying power to a waking device. Upondetection of the smoke detector alarm, the unit switches on a supply ofpower to the waking device, thus activating it. Examples of wakingdevices include, but are not limited to, a bedside very loud (100 dB orgreater) audible alert, bed shaking device, light and a speaker givingverbal instructions. A waking system can be utilized that combines twoor more waking devices.

In other embodiments, the sound monitoring unit further includes acommunications port. The unit additionally generates notificationsignals when a smoke detector alarm is determined and uses thecommunications port via wired or wireless means to send the signals tolocal emergency personnel, or to a monitoring service, preferably anInternet site.

In yet another embodiment, motion detectors are used to determinewhether an individual remains within the room after a smoke detectoralarm is determined. An infrared motion sensor may be built into thebedside unit and communicate directly to the microprocessor.Alternatively, the bedside sound monitoring unit further comprises areceiver for receiving signals from a wireless motion sensor positionedto detect motion within the room containing the bedside sound monitoringunit. In another preferred embodiment, the motion detector is a loadsensor positioned in the bed. The load sensor can be wired directly tothe bedside unit, or can communicate wirelessly with a receiver in thebedside unit. After a smoke alarm is determined, the sound monitoringunit further determines from the motion detector signals whether anindividual remains within the room and preferably generates and sendsnotification to appropriate personnel regarding whether an individualremains within the room. Nonlimiting examples of appropriate personnelinclude a monitoring service or local emergency personnel.

A fire alarm system of this invention includes an audible fire alarm, abedside sound monitoring unit and a waking device or waking system. Thesound monitoring unit comprises a microphone, a microprocessor toidentify the fire alarm, and a switch controlling supply of power to thewaking device or system to be switched on in response to the fire alarm.

A memory device of this invention comprises a memory device for amicroprocessor in a bedside alarm monitoring unit and includes a memorysubstrate and a monitoring means disposed on the memory substrate. Themonitoring means includes a means encoded on the substrate fordetermining when sound received through a microphone of the bedside unitis a fire alarm sound and a means encoded on the substrate forcooperatively functioning with a switching device to activate a wakingdevice when a fire alarm is determined.

In one embodiment the ANSI/ISO smoke alarm signature is stored in thememory and used to identify the smoke alarm from ambient sounds usingconventional digital signal processing techniques such as spectralanalysis, time-frequency analysis, matched filters, correlation analysisand neural networks.

In another embodiment, the unit “learns” the signal generated by aparticular alarming device by having the user generate a test signalwhich is received then by the microphone and stored in the memory as atest signal signature. Signal analysis techniques described above areused to identify the alarm.

Home Safety and Security Monitor

Home safety and security monitoring methods and systems of thisinvention utilize a sound monitoring unit comprising a microphone,microprocessor and a communications port. The microprocessor determines,from sounds received by the microphone, when a pre-existing homesecurity alarm is sounding, and in response thereto generates and sendsresponse signals out the communications port. A “pre-existing homesecurity alarm” refers to an audible alarm device that is, or could be,already used to provide an alarm in response to a security breach. Inone embodiment, the home security alarm monitor is present in a bedsideunit additionally comprising the fire alarm monitor and the wakingdevice activator or system basically as described above but modified asnecessary to accommodate the home safety and security equipment.

Examples of audible security alarms that may be used with the presentinvention include, but are not limited to, personal alert pendantsincluding pins and wristbands, door-open sensors, window-open sensors,glass-breaking sensors and motion detectors. Response signals are sentthrough the communications port either wirelessly, through a jack to astandard phone system, or through a broadband Internet connection, todeliver an alert to an individual, local emergency personnel, amonitoring service or an Internet site comprising a network operatingcenter monitoring service.

While useful for detecting emergency situations, the unit can also beused to provide security monitoring in non-emergency situations. Forexample, the unit can detect the sound from a door-open sensor andnotify working parents that their child has arrived home from school. Inone embodiment, parental notification is given by e-mail or Internetinstant messaging.

In another embodiment, a bedside sound monitoring unit is operated todetect breathing sounds and determine if the sounds include a breathingpattern representing a condition requiring a response. By operating thebedside unit, response signals are generated and sent out thecommunications port when a response is required.

A home security system of this invention includes an audible securityalarm and a sound monitoring unit. The sound monitoring unit comprises amicrophone, a microprocessor to identify the security alarm, and acommunications port for sending a notification signal when the securityalarm is identified. In another embodiment, the home security systemfurther comprises the audible fire alarm and the waking devicepreviously described, but modified as necessary to implement the homesecurity system.

A home security system memory device of this invention comprises amemory device for a microprocessor in a security alarm monitoring unitand includes a memory substrate and a monitoring means disposed on thememory substrate. The monitoring means includes means encoded on thesubstrate for determining when sound received through a microphone ofthe unit is a security alarm sound and means encoded on the substratefor communicating responsive signals when a security alarm isdetermined.

Health Monitor

A method of this invention for monitoring health indicating parametersof an individual using a bedside unit comprises the following steps. Abedside monitoring unit is operated which comprises a microphone,microprocessor and a communications port. The unit operates to detectsounds, which include health indicating parameters, received by themicrophone. The unit then relays these health indicating parameters to amedical monitoring service. In one embodiment the health indicatingparameters are breathing related and preferably include breathing rate,breathing sound frequency spectrum, snoring and coughing.

In another embodiment, the bedside unit additionally includes receiversto specifically receive signals from medical monitoring devices,nonlimiting examples of which include devices such as accelerometers,load sensors, and wireless chest strap heart monitors. In thisembodiment the bedside unit delivers the additional signals from theelectro-acoustic, wired and wireless devices through the communicationsport to the medical monitoring service.

The health monitor of this invention includes a monitoring programstored within a microprocessor of a bedside unit. The program includesinstructional signals for relaying sound received by a microphone of thebedside unit, through a communications port of the unit, and to amedical monitoring service. In other embodiments, the monitoring programincludes instructional signals for screening the sounds received by themicrophone to determine those sounds representing health indicatingparameters, and also instructional signals for processing and evaluatingthe sound received.

In another embodiment, the home health monitoring system furthercomprises the audible fire alarm and the waking device previouslydescribed. The bedside unit additionally comprises the fire alarmmonitor and a waking device activator as described above, but modifiedas necessary to implement the health monitoring system. In yet anotherembodiment, the monitoring system comprises programming enabling thebedside unit to detect and differentiate multiple sounds, signals andalarms related to fire, safety, security and health monitoring and toprovide a specific response to each.

A method of this invention for providing medical monitoring servicecomprises receiving at a medical monitoring service location signalsfrom the bedside unit described above and analyzing those signals todetermine if a medical response is required. The medical monitoringservice employs health experts for both long-term and short-termevaluation of the monitored data. If determined necessary, a medicalresponse is provided which may comprise notifying the monitored person'sdoctor or emergency personnel.

Personal Computer

The present invention also provides a novel and improved soundmonitoring method, system and device useful with conventional personalcomputers including, but not limited to, desktop, laptop, palmtop andsmart phone units. Implementation is similar to that for the bedsideunit described above but modified to use a sound monitoring program anda personal computer to respond automatically to an identified alarmsound by sending a notification signal via the Internet.

This embodiment of the present invention can be used anywhere there area sound source, such as one that indicates an alarm event, and acomputer that has its own microphone or other sound-detecting device.Preferably such computer has access to a global communication network,such as the Internet or its World Wide Web. For a place that already hasthis equipment, no additional hardware is needed to implement the methodof the present invention. Of course, other hardware can be obtained andused in implementing the present invention.

One definition of the computer application of the present invention isas a method for using a personal computer to monitor an area for apredetermined audible alarm signal generated by a pre-existing alarmdevice, comprising: operating a specialized sound monitoring program ina personal computer having conventional system software and hardwareincluding a microphone, sound signal digitizing capability, and acommunications port, wherein the specialized sound monitoring program iscompatible with the conventional hardware and system software; and byoperating the specialized sound monitoring program, detecting fromsounds received by the microphone of the personal computer when alarmconditions exist and in response thereto generating and sending responsesignals out the communications port of the personal computer.Nonlimiting examples of personal computers include desk top computers,laptop and notebook computers, handheld personal computers, palmtop andpocket computers, personal digital assistants and smart phones. Thesound monitoring program can be operated in the foreground or backgroundof the personal computer or as an inactivity program or screen saverprogram and can close or override other running application programs inthe personal computer when alarm conditions are detected.

Another definition of the computer application of the present inventionis as a method for detecting an audible alarm generated by apre-existing alarm device by monitoring sound with a personal computer,comprising: running a specialized sound monitoring program in thepersonal computer; using the running sound monitoring program, detectingsound received by a microphone of the personal computer, and determiningif detected sound represents an alarm from a pre-existing alarm devicerequiring a response; and using the running sound monitoring program,providing a response when a response is required. The sound monitoringprogram is preferably a screen saver operated only during a computerinput inactivity period. The pre-existing alarm device includes, but isnot limited to, fire or smoke alarms, severe weather alarms, burglaralarms, door-open sensors and personal alarms. Providing a response caninclude generating and sending alarm indicating signals to an Internetsite having an Internet address encoded within the sound monitoringprogram using e-mail or Internet instant messaging. If utilizingInternet instant messaging to alert a Central Monitoring Service, theservice will also know when the remote acoustic monitoring program isactive. The method can further comprise downloading, from an InternetWeb site, the sound monitoring program into the personal computer andproviding a response can include sending an alarm notification signal tothat Internet Web site. Another feature can include communicating fromthe Internet site to a telecommunication number or e-mail addressdesignated for the personal computer. Providing a response can alsoinclude generating and playing an acoustic alert on the speaker(s) ofthe personal computer.

Yet another definition of the computer application of the presentinvention is as a method for monitoring health indicating parameters ofan individual, comprising the following steps. A specialized soundmonitoring program is run in a personal computer having conventionalsystem software and hardware including a microphone and communicationsport. Using the running sound monitoring program, the personal computerdetects sounds comprising health indicating parameters received by themicrophone of the personal computer. Using the communications port ofthe personal computer, the health indicating parameters are relayed to amedical monitoring service. Nonlimiting examples of health indicatingparameters that can be monitored using the present invention includebreathing-related parameters such as breathing rate, breathing soundfrequency spectrum, snoring and coughing.

A definition of the present invention specific to sensing a smokedetector alarm using a screen saver program calls for a method formonitoring sound with a personal computer, comprising: running a soundmonitoring screen saver program in a personal computer in response to atimeout event occurring because an externally generated input is notreceived by the personal computer within a predetermined time periodduring operation of the personal computer; from time to time during therunning of the sound monitoring screen saver program, accessing from thepersonal computer an Internet site and sending to the accessed Internetsite a predetermined signal if the computer is properly functioningunder operation of the running screen saver program; receiving ambientsound at a microphone of the personal computer; determining with therunning screen saver program whether ambient sound received at themicrophone includes an alarm sound from a residential smoke detectorproviding a sound output in accordance with a predetermined standard;and accessing from the personal computer the Internet site when an alarmsound is determined and sending an alarm indicating signal to theaccessed Internet site.

The computer application of the present invention can also be defined asa method for providing for alarm monitoring in a residence, comprising:receiving at an Internet site a program load command from a conventionalpersonal computer at a residence; transmitting from the Internet site tothe personal computer, in response to the program load command, an alarmsound monitoring program for installation on the personal computer; andreceiving at the Internet site an alarm indicating signal sent from thepersonal computer when the personal computer detects an alarm conditionusing the sound monitoring program and transmitting a notificationsignal from the Internet site in response. This can further comprise:monitoring at the Internet site the operational status of the personalcomputer, including receiving status signals sent from the personalcomputer to the Internet site, and transmitting a status notificationfrom the Internet site when status signals are not received at theInternet site during a monitoring period; and/or updating the soundmonitoring program by transmitting from the Internet site to thepersonal computer digitally encoded advertising indicia signals suchthat the alarm sound monitoring program periodically causes advertisingindicia to be displayed through a display of the personal computer. Thealarm sound monitoring program can additionally be installed as a screensaver program, or more preferably, the default screen saver program onthe personal computer and can provide a list of standardized alarmsounds to be selected from or a learning mode during initial setupallowing the alarm sound to be activated, detected and identified assuch.

The present invention also provides an alarm monitor, comprising: aconventional personal computer including a microphone, a memory, acommunication port, a display and system software; and a soundmonitoring program stored in the memory. The sound monitoring programincludes: first instructional signals encoded on the memory forcooperatively functioning with the system software to determine whensound received through the microphone of the personal computer is analarm sound; and second instructional signals encoded on the memory forcooperatively functioning with the system software to communicateresponsive signals from the personal computer when an alarm sound isdetermined. The sound monitoring program can be a screen saver includingthird instructional signals encoded on the memory for cooperativelyfunctioning with the system software to control what indicia aredisplayed on the display of the personal computer during user inactivityperiods. These additional instructional signals can include signalsdefining advertising indicia to be displayed on the display of thepersonal computer. The sound monitoring screen saver program can alsoinclude other instructional signals encoded on the memory forcooperatively functioning with the system software to close or overrideother running application programs in the personal computer when analarm sound is determined. The sound monitoring program can furtherinclude still other instructional signals encoded on the memory forcooperatively functioning with the system software to generate statussignals to be transmitted to a remote location to indicate operationalstatus of the personal computer when the sound monitoring program is inoperation in the personal computer. The invention can also be defined asa memory device comprising a memory substrate and the aforementionedprogram encoded thereon.

With the foregoing, it is possible to provide improved alarm responsesand to provide low cost, easily implemented safety, security or healthmonitoring. Other features and advantages of the present invention willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art when the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a smoke alarm monitoring and waking systemof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of programming for alarm sound recognition.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a home safety and security monitoringsystem of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a home health monitoring system of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an alarm monitoring system using a personalcomputer.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram representing a memory programmed in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of programming for a central receiving stationand a user's personal computer implementing the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of programming for the user's personal computerto obtain operation of an inactivity program of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of programming for the inactivity program.

FIG. 10 is a more detailed flow diagram of a particular implementationof the programming of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention utilizes existing acoustic signal analysistechnology which allows, for example, the detection of alarms such asthe ANSI/ISO standard smoke alarm signal. This technology can alsoidentify any specific acoustic signal including personal alert pendantsor audio door-open sensors, thus providing a platform, preferably at thebedside, for many personal safety and security monitoring services. Thistechnology is then combined with one or more existing technologies suchas, for example, an enhanced waking device for the hearing impaired, apersonal computer, and a wired or wireless telephone, Internet or e-mailcommunication device activated by the sensing of the specific acousticsignal. Home health monitoring is provided by audio monitoring as wellas by monitoring for other signals from wired or wireless devices suchas heart rate monitors. The three major application categories are firealarm detection, safety and security monitors, and health monitors, eachof which is described in detail below. Configuration using a personalcomputer is described lastly. While each category is describedseparately, it is understood that multiple sounds from all categoriescan be monitored simultaneously using a single unit, and specificresponses are generated for each monitored sound detected.

Fire Alarm Detection

An alarm system of this invention comprises a unit having a microphonefor receiving ambient sounds and a microprocessor for detecting fromsounds received, an alarm signal from a pre-existing alarm device, andin response thereto, activating a waking device. A device in accordancewith the present invention is represented in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 1, a fire alarm system 2 of this invention includes asound emitting fire alarm 4 and a bedside unit 6. The bedside unit 6“listens” for a fire alarm, such as the traditional acoustic ANSI/ISOsmoke alarm, by combining a microphone 8 with a microprocessor 10 usedto implement analog to digital conversion 12 and a digital signalprocessing 14. Upon detecting the alarm 4, the microprocessor 10activates a switch 16 controlling a supply of power 18 to a wakingdevice 20. The microprocessor 10 utilizes a memory 22 which provides thestorage substrate 24 for a fire alarm determining means 26 and a switchactivating means 28. Preferably the unit includes communications port 30providing the ability to communicate the smoke detection via wired orwireless means to a receiving site 32. In one embodiment, the bedsideunit detects movement in the room using a motion sensor 33 included asan integral part of the bedside unit. A wired load sensor 35 placed inthe bed can also be used to detect whether a person remains in bed.Optionally, a wireless motion sensor 34 external to the bedside unit canbe positioned to detect motion in the room, and a receiver 36 isincluded within the unit for receiving signals from the wireless motionsensor.

Examples of waking devices that can be used to awaken the individual(s)in the room include, but are not limited to, a very loud alarm (100 dBor louder), bed shaking, a strobe light and loud voice instructionsdirecting them to evacuate. The invention may be implemented as astand-alone bedside unit, alarm clock, telephone or lamp. The system canhave both AC and 24 hours of battery back-up power so that it meets theNFPA National Fire Alarm Code for fire monitoring systems. Additionalfeatures include technology such as an integrated motion sensor 33 andan in-bed load sensor 35. Both sensors may be wired or wireless, butpreferably the motion sensor is integrated within the unit. Receiver 36is included if using an external wireless motion sensor 34. Suchadditional features enable the bedside unit to detect if theindividual(s) in the room get out of bed and whether they exit the room.This information is communicated directly to emergency personnel (e.g.,firemen arriving at the scene) or to a monitoring center. This latterfeature is useful not only in a single-family residence but also inhotels/motels, nursing homes, apartment buildings and residential,particularly multi-story residential institutions.

Non-limiting examples of fire detector alarms 4 include residentialsmoke detectors, heat detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors.Non-limiting alarm examples include smoke detectors providing singletone signals that are pulsed on and off, such as tones within thefrequency range between 1 kilohertz and 4 kilohertz and with a pulsemodulation rate between 3 and 8 hertz. The smoke detector used ispreferably one that provides a predetermined sound output such as inaccordance with the National Fire Alarm Code three-pulse code known inthe art.

“Listening” for the smoke alarm is accomplished using the microphone 8and microprocessor 10 utilizing digital acoustic signal recognitiontechnology. Matched filtering technology can be used and such filteralgorithms prevent or minimize the occurrence of false alarms fromnoise. The matched filter acts as a type of fingerprint-matching toidentify whether the signals passed match the frequencies and pulsepattern of the smoke alarm being monitored.

For example, the microphone first converts sounds into voltage or otherelectrical signals. The electrical signals are then processed by ananalog to digital conversion 12 by scanning, measuring and splitting theelectrical signals into discrete values, thus producing a digitalpattern representing the sound received at the microphone. The digitizedsound is input to the digital signal processing function 14 of themicroprocessor. Here the microprocessor may use digital high pass andlow pass filters to pass some frequency regions through unattenuatedwhile significantly attenuating others, thus screening out the ambientnoise level due to air conditioning, telephones, etc., from the alarmfrequency monitored. The microprocessor then compares using a matchedfilter, cross correlation or a neural network the pattern of real timedigital values to a pattern stored in memory 22 representing theparticular smoke alarm monitored and, utilizing the fire alarmdetermining means 26 encoded on the memory substrate 24 of themicroprocessor, determines if the smoke alarm is detected in the soundsreceived by the microphone.

Preferably, the digital signal processing comprises logic steps similarto the flow diagram of programming for alarm sound recognition shown inFIG. 2. A time-frequency analysis of the digitized audio signals can beimplemented using overlapping Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs),Wigner-Ville Distribution, Gabor transform, wavelet analysis or othersuitable techniques to characterize the signal and the noise (i.e., thesignal-to-noise ratio SNR). The signals are also compared to the patternstored in memory representing the particular smoke alarm monitored. Thisanalysis preferably uses one or more of the following techniques todetermine detection thresholds: cross-correlation, matched filtering andneural networks. The detection thresholds thus determined are combinedwith the time frequency analysis results to produce detection thresholdsas a function of time. By monitoring and analyzing sound continuously,the detection thresholds can be adapted to the changing background noisethereby optimizing the audio alarm detection in any environment despitevarying noise sources and levels. Additionally, multiple patterns can bestored in memory, thus providing simultaneous monitoring for separatesound patterns with a unique response for each.

For example, an alarm probability is estimated and can be visualized asa three dimensional surface where the accuracy of detection is plottedagainst SNR and the duration of detection time interval. The duration oftime interval is preferably varied dynamically and adaptively inresponse to changing SNR in order to maintain optimum detection of audioalarms. The lower the SNR, the longer the detection interval must be tomake sure the alarm is present. The minimum time interval is theduration of one period of the repetitive alarm signal. While digitalaudio filter and detection programming and circuitry are continuallybeing advanced, such as with the use of neural networks, etc., thetechnology is commercially available and generally well known to thoseskilled in the art.

The frequencies and pattern of the alarm to be monitored can be encodedin the fire alarm determining means 26, or can be “learned” byactivating the alarm for setup purposes such that the sound is detectedby the unit in a learning mode and identified as indicating an alarmevent. For example, the bedside unit may be set to “learning mode.” Inthis mode the unit analyzes ambient noise or sound. The audio alarm tobe monitored is then triggered. The unit analyzes and then stores theresulting audio alarm template. Using the template and the continuoussound sampling and analysis described above, the unit begins monitoring.Preferably the alarm sound to be monitored, whether selected or“learned,” can be reset at any time and is not restricted to the soundselected during initial setup. A single or multiple alarm soundtemplates can be monitored simultaneously allowing for differentresponses to each detected alarm sound.

Upon detecting an alarm, the switch activating means 28 encoded on thememory substrate 24 dictates activation and method of activation ofswitch 16 to allow power supply 18 to power the waking device 20.Generally power supply 18 is the electrical power to the house accessedby an electrical socket. However, other power including battery backuppower can also be utilized. A variety of waking devices 20 can be usedincluding, for example, the alarm systems of a SonicBoom™ Alarm Clockavailable from Sonic Alert, Inc., of Troy, Mich. The SonicBoom™ AlarmClock is designed to awaken the hearing impaired at a pre-selected time.It has a 100 dB alarm, an optional mechanical bed shaker/vibrator (withbuilt-in temperature sensor to protect the unit against overheating)which is placed under the pillow or between a mattress and box springs,and an outlet that will cause a connected bedside lamp to flash therebyproducing a strobe effect. The bed shaker/vibrator is plugged into thevibrator outlet on the back of the Sonic Boom™ Alarm Clock.

One embodiment of the present invention combines enhanced alarmmechanisms or waking devices, such as those in the Sonic Boom™ AlarmClock, with a microphone and a microprocessor in a bedside unit asdescribed above to detect an audible alarm from a residential smokedetector. A major advantage of this system is that a smoke detector canbe placed outside the bedroom, thus allowing detection of a fire beforeit enters the bedroom. An individual sleeping in the bedroom need not beconcerned about whether the outer smoke detector alarm will awaken himor her; the smoke detector alarm need only be sensed by the bedside unitwhich will then activate enhanced waking devices and wake the sleepingindividual. If there is concern that the unit may not detect a distantsmoke detector alarm, another embodiment includes a repeater to relaysound. A non-limiting example is a conventional baby monitor positionedin a house to relay sound from a smoke detector to the microphone of thebedside unit.

Other enhanced waking devices can be employed such as a blast of air,water spray or strobe light. For example, the Gentex photoelectricresidential smoke alarm incorporates a 177 candela strobe light thatflashes 60 times per minute and is available from Sound Clarity, Inc.,of Iowa City, Iowa. One embodiment of the present invention combinessuch a strobe light with the bedside unit described above. Detection ofthe smoke detector alarm activates the strobe light. Such enhancedwaking devices bring multi-modality and “intensive” stimulation toawaken the children and the hearing impaired to an emergency such as afire, while again allowing more time for escape by locating the actualsmoke detector outside the bedroom.

In a preferred mode, the bedside unit contains sensor capability thatcan detect weight and movement. Motion detectors and load/pressuresensors are readily available and come in several different kinds. Basicphoto-sensor types emit a light beam which triggers the alarm wheneveranyone interrupts the beam. This type can be mounted to detect motionaway from the bed. More sophisticated passive infrared (PIR) detectorsdo not emit any energy on their own, but detect infrared energy (heat)emitted in the environment. This type of motion detector can be aimed atthe bed area to detect whether the child or adult is still in bed.Alternatively, a load or pressure sensor may be placed under themattress to detect the presence of the child or adult still in bed.Preferably this valuable information is transmitted to the emergencypersonnel.

This information is considered invaluable in saving lives and isimportant in situations other than the home. Using the unit and systemdescribed above, status and location information on people can bedetermined in any building, e.g., a multi-story residential or officefacility. In a hotel or dormitory, occupancy and in-bed status can betransmitted on a room-by-room basis in an emergency situation.

In another preferred mode the bedside unit can initiate verbalinstructions once it is detected that the child or adult is out of bed.The verbal instructions are preferably a prerecorded message statingthat a fire has been detected and giving appropriate guidance orinstructions.

Another optional feature of this invention is an infrared (IR) sensor todetect heat behind a door. Fire experts advise holding the back of yourhand to a door to detect fire on the other side; however, the system ofthis invention can perform this detection automatically and advise exitvia an alternative route. Optionally, the bedside unit contains aflashlight to illuminate the room and exit path and additionallyincludes batteries so the units can function for 24 hours without ACpower and can meet the National Fire Code for alerting devices.

In another preferred embodiment the bedside unit further comprises acommunications port 30 and can generate and send an alarm messagethrough communications port 30 to a receiving site 32. For example, thebedside unit can further comprise an RJ-11 jack that can be connected toa standard phone system in order to send an alert(s) to the firedepartment when sensing a smoke alarm. Alternatively, the bedside devicecan send a wired or wireless fire alarm notification in response to asmoke detector alert to a network operating center monitoring station,which will immediately forward it to the appropriate fire department. Avariety of communication ports and their setup and functioning are wellknown to those skilled in the art.

Home Safety and Security Monitor

Another embodiment of the present invention is geared toward providinghome safety and security. Home safety and security monitoring systems ofthis invention utilize a unit comprising a microphone, microprocessorand means to connect to a communications system wherein the equipment isbasically as previously described but modified as necessary to implementthe home safety and security functions. The microprocessor detects whena safety or security alarm is sounding, and in response thereto deliversan alert to an individual, emergency personnel or a network operatingcenter monitoring service. The present invention utilizes previouslydescribed digital signal analysis technology modified as necessary toidentify one or more specific acoustic signals including, but notlimited to, acoustic signals from personal alert pendants, pins andwristbands, door open sensors, window open sensors, glass breakingsensors and motion detectors.

Referring to FIG. 3, a home safety and security system 38 of thisinvention includes a sound emitting security alarm device 40 and asecurity alarm monitoring unit 42, preferably a bedside unit. As withthe fire alarm system, the bedside unit 42 “listens” for an alarm soundby combining the microphone 8 with microprocessor 10 comprising theanalog to digital converter 12 and the digital signal processor 14. Themicroprocessor 10 utilizes the memory 22 which provides the storagesubstrate 24 for an alarm distinguishing means 44 and a means 46 forcorrelating the alarm with a specific message and receiving station.Upon detecting the security alarm 40, the microprocessor 10 generatesthe appropriate alarm message which is communicated through thecommunications port 30 to the appropriate receiving site 32.

Combining audio alert-producing security devices such as those availablefrom e.g., RadioShack®, with the bedside fire alarm unit describedabove, provides a low-cost intrusion monitoring service. Thus the samesecurity, and peace-of-mind benefits enjoyed by affluent homeowners willbe brought to the “rest of the housing market.” For example,glass-breaking detectors, readily available from ADEMCO (a unit ofHoneywell Security Group), Database Systems Corp. (DSC) and others, maybe placed on or near the lower windows of a home. Simple glass-breakdetectors react to the frequency of breaking glass while others use afiltered microphone to eliminate false alarms. They are widely availableand reliable. Rather than hardwiring the glass-break detector to acomplex home monitoring system, as is typically done, the detectoractivates an acoustic alarm which can be detected by the microphone andmicroprocessor in a bedside unit. The bedside unit will respond to thealarm by connecting to a standard phone system or to the Internet in awired or wireless manner to send an alert or message to the local lawenforcement agency or to a network operating center monitoring station.For example, the bedside unit may connect through an RJ-11 jack to aphone system to deliver the alert or message to a local policedepartment.

In a preferred mode, a system provides both monitoring in response to anaudible security alarm and waking mechanisms in response to a smokealarm. For example, a bedside unit comprises a clock built to detectboth a smoke alarm as well as a sound-producing motion detector fromRadioShack®. The equipment is basically as previously described; howeverthe fire alarm determining means 26 is modified to determine anddistinguish more than one audible alarm sound pattern. Thus the alarmdistinguishing means 44 identifies and distinguishes between the smokealarm and the motion detector alarm and delivers separate responses. Thepreviously described switch activating means 28 determines activation ofthe waking device in response to a smoke alarm. The alarm/messagestation correlating means 46 contains software to determine the alarmmessage and receiving site in response to the motion detector, and aseparate alarm message and receiving site in response to the motiondetector alarm. The response to the smoke alarm may include an audiblealarm with verbal evacuation instructions as previously described. Theresponse to the motion detector may include sounding a loud, audiblydistinguishable alert at the bedside and sending a text message alertvia Short Message Service to virtually any digital cellular phone inless than 15 seconds. (Short Message Service, commonly referred to asSMS, is a service for sending text messages to a wireless device, e.g.,mobile phone, pager, Blackberry™, etc.)

Another home safety application of this invention is geared toward theever-growing numbers of seniors who are trying to remain independent andwhose families are dealing with and worrying about the safety and healthof their aging relatives. From the familiar “I've fallen and can't getup!” to unobserved accidents and health emergencies at night, theopportunity to have a bedside alarm unit in connection with a personalalarm pendant will provide peace of mind to families and an extra levelof safety and security to seniors. Personal emergency pendants and wristbands are available from numerous companies which allow the wearer tosimply press a button on the pendant to send a wireless emergency signalto a base station device which is connected via the phone system to amonitoring service. The pendant or wrist band of this invention emits anacoustic alarm detectable by the bedside unit. The bedside unit respondsby connecting wirelessly to send an alert or message to localparamedics, a monitoring service and/or to family members and neighborsavailable to help. Alternatively, the bedside unit may connect through,for example, an RJ-11 jack to a phone system to deliver the alert ormessage.

The bedside unit of this invention also provides unobtrusive monitoringof sleep patterns in seniors so that adult children can be notified ifunusual patterns occur. For example, if an elderly woman living alonegets up to go to the bathroom and falls, breaking her hip, the bedsideunit notes her getting out of bed (cessation of monitored breathing orchange of bed weight monitored by a load sensor) at, for example 2:30a.m., and if she does not get back into bed in 30 to 45 minutes (notedby the reoccurrence of monitored breathing or bed weight) an alert wouldbe sent to a monitoring service and a call would be placed to herchildren or caregivers. In a similar embodiment, if an elderly personliving alone does not arise from bed within some time period of theiraverage wake-up time, an alert is sent.

Additionally, the bedside unit can be used by working parents to checkon whether their school children are safely home from school. Adoor-open detector with an acoustic signal is utilized such that whenthe child opens the door, an acoustic signal is sounded. A common typeof door sensor uses a permanent magnet placed in the woodwork of thedoor, opposite the hinges. When the door is closed the magnet is veryclose to a magnetic switch and holds the switch closed. When the door isopened, the switch is no longer held closed by the magnet and an alarmis sounded. These sensors are commonly used to activate a chime whenpeople enter. When the acoustic signal is sounded, the signal is pickedup and recognized by the bedside unit which, in response, sends awireless or wired telephone or e-mail message to the parent notifyingthe parent that the child has arrived home. Alternatively, any door-opendetector with an acoustic signal can be utilized, as can any motiondetector placed to sense a door or person crossing the door frame.

Health Monitor

Home health monitoring can help to reduce costs and improve care forpeople who suffer from chronic illnesses. It allows individuals to stayin the comfort of their homes, and gives those individuals the peace ofmind and security of knowing that “someone is watching over them.” Forexample, nighttime activity, various breathing parameters (breathingrate, snoring, coughing, etc.), and restlessness during sleep can all bemonitored by the basic bedside unit of this invention having amicrophone, a microprocessor for distinguishing the sounds received, anda wired or wireless connection to a monitoring station, preferablythrough the Internet, and/or means to awaken the individual monitored oralert a caretaker in the home or elsewhere. Such a unit can not onlyprovide an emergency response, but can also provide for long-termevaluation and possibly early detection of worsening of a number ofdisease states including asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, andobstructive sleep apnea. The addition of simple electro-acoustictransducers such as a consumer wireless heart monitor chest strap, bedload sensor, accelerometer, pulse sensor and pulse oximeter, along withthe signal receiver in the bedside unit will provide unobtrusivecollection of numerous additional physiologic parameters so thatdiseases such as congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation andcoronary artery disease can be monitored, allowing early intervention toprevent acute decompensation.

Referring to FIG. 4, a home health monitoring system 48 of thisinvention includes a bedside health monitoring unit 49 having microphone8 with the microprocessor 10 comprising the analog to digital converter12 and optionally the digital signal processor 14. The microprocessor 10passes signals derived from sounds detected by the microphone 8 throughthe communications port 30 to a medical monitoring service 50. Thehealth related acoustic signals 51 are filtered using the digital signalprocessor 14 of the microprocessor 10 and/or the signals are filtered atthe medical monitoring station. The present invention may utilizepreviously described digital signal analysis technology modified asnecessary to identify one or more specific breathing pattern or acousticsignals from a medical monitoring device. Additionally, non-acousticsignals from one or more wireless 52, or wired 53, health parametermeasuring devices are detected by the receiver 36 of the bedside unit 49and relayed through the communications port 30 to the medical monitoringservice 50.

Preferably, respiratory function and disease are evaluated via breathingrate (from either the microphone monitoring breathing sounds as acousticsignals 51 or a chest strap monitoring chest movement indicative ofrespiratory effort); the quantification of snoring, coughing, or apnea;and the frequency spectrum of the breathing sounds monitored (e.g.,wheezing in asthma increases the frequency of the acoustic breathingsound pattern). Sleep is monitored with respiratory rate, heart rate,and activity (measured using the motion detector, load sensor or anaccelerometer) in order to provide indices of sleep stage, restlessnessand congestive heart failure status. When patterns portend a worseningof the condition, the appropriate health care professional andresponsible people (e.g., parents, caretakers) are contacted by amedical monitoring group to allow for early intervention which will,hopefully, prevent serious outcomes, emergency room visits, and hospitaladmissions, if not tragic results.

Application of the bedside monitoring unit is described below for anumber of common illnesses.

Asthma: This chronic respiratory disease is a major problem that isincreasing in incidence in the pediatric population and is a major causeof hospitalization among children. However, children are not the onlyvictims of this inflammatory airway disease. According to the AmericanLung Association, many millions of Americans suffer from asthma. It is achronic inflammatory condition with acute exacerbations and can be alife-threatening disease if not properly managed.

Bedside monitoring at night is important because the disease often firstmanifests itself and can be evaluated by the presence of night coughingand snoring. Asthma attacks occur commonly at night, finally awakeningthe patient. Nighttime monitoring can warn a patient or parent of anupcoming attack before there are other symptoms. Early indications suchas an increase in night coughing or snoring may alert an adult patient,parents or caregivers to worsening asthma and the need for immediatemedication or other care.

An asthma monitoring system of this invention utilizes a bedside unit aspreviously described to monitor various breathing parameters includingbreathing rate, breathing sound frequency spectrum, snoring andcoughing. The breathing parameter data are relayed to the medicalmonitoring service 50.

A method of this invention for providing a medical monitoring servicefor asthma comprises receiving at a medical monitoring service location,signals comprising breathing patterns wherein the breathing patternsignals are relayed out a communications port of a bedside home healthmonitoring unit, and analyzing the signals for changes to determine whenthe signals indicate a medical response is required. Examples ofbreathing patterns monitored and analyzed include, but are not limitedto, breathing rate, breathing sound frequency spectrum, snoring andcoughing. A spectral analysis of the breathing sounds monitored willprovide an indication of wheezing. Asthma involves the constriction ofairways, increasing the acoustic frequency of breathing sounds. Thequantification of coughing, i.e., the number of coughs per unit time,provides an index of asthma severity and the effectiveness ofmedication.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Clinically, Chronic ObstructivePulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term that is used for two closely relateddiseases of the respiratory system: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Inchronic bronchitis, the trachea and bronchial tubes become irreversiblyinflamed, restricting airflow, causing excessive mucous secretionleading to a persistent cough. In emphysema there is permanentdestruction of the tiny elastic air sacs of the lung (called alveoli),which cause collapse or narrowing of the smallest air passages (calledbronchioles), limiting airflow out of the lung. The walls of the alveoliare where the blood flow and airflow make their gas exchange. Withoutthis exchange carbon dioxide builds up in the blood and blood oxygendiminishes.

As COPD progresses, the amount of oxygen in the blood decreases, causingblood vessels in the lung to constrict. At the same time many of thesmall blood vessels in the lung have been damaged or destroyed as aresult of the disease. As a consequence, more work is required from theright ventricle of the heart to force blood through the narrowedvessels, causing the ventricle to enlarge and thicken (corpulmonale),and can lead to right-sided heart failure. Another adjustment the bodymakes to inadequate blood oxygen levels is called secondarypolycythemia, which is an increased production of oxygen-carrying redblood cells. Over-population of red cells thickens the blood so muchthat it clogs small blood vessels, causing patients to have a bluishtinge to their skin, lips, and nail beds, a condition called cyanosis.

COPD gradually worsens over time. The main symptoms are coughing,wheezing, expectoration and labored breathing/shortness of breath.Exacerbations of COPD can happen several times per year and aresometimes brought on by respiratory infections, such as pneumonia andinfluenza. Home monitoring of night breathing can provide valuable datato guide bronchodilator, oxygen and other therapy.

A COPD monitoring system of this invention utilizes a bedside unit aspreviously described to monitor the same breathing patterns as theasthma monitoring system and to deliver the information to a medicalmonitoring service. A method of this invention for providing a medicalmonitoring service for COPD is basically the same as the medicalmonitoring service for asthma, modified in that the acoustic breathingpattern signature of decompensation in COPD is different than thesignature indicating an oncoming asthma attack, and the medical reponsesrequired are specific to each disease.

Cardiovascular Disease: There are millions of new patients and tens ofmillions of existing patients with cardiovascular disease in the U.S.Out of the hospital monitoring has been limited to ambulatoryelectrocardiogram (Holter) monitoring and cardiac event recording. Now,companies such as CardioNet, Inc.; HomMed, LLC; Medtronic, Inc. andGuidant Corp. are creating innovative home cardiac monitoring solutions.All of these solutions involve expensive (and in some cases, implanted)equipment and services. This invention for monitoring cardiovasculardisease allows for inexpensive and noninvasive methods and systems forhome monitoring of physiologic variables predictive of cardiovasculardisease progression or decompensation.

The basic health functions that monitor sleep and breathing can also becarried out on the previously described basic bedside unit used tomonitor acoustic alarms. In addition, the use of a wireless chest strap,like those sold by Polar, Timex and others will provide a large numberof additional physiological parameters to monitor. Preferably, acommercially available heart rate chest strap is modified to sense andtransmit the following parameters during sleep over the one to four feetto the bedside unit using the existing short-range wirelesscommunications in the strap: (a) beat-to-beat R-wave intervals; (b) QRSduration; (c) chest movement-respiratory effort; and (d) activity. TheR-wave intervals and QRS duration are measured as an electrocardiogram(ECG) and transmitted using an existing chest strap described above.

Alternatively, ECG data can be detected using a hand held and operatoractuated device 51 that then transmits the data as an acoustic signal tothe microphone 8 of the bedside health monitoring unit. The Heart Card™is one example of such a device and is commercially available fromInstromedix, Inc. of Hillsboro, Oreg. Other devices are available fromInstromedix, Inc. and other vendors to record the ECG as a frequencymodulated audio band signal and these units can be adapted as necessaryto yield acoustic signals detected by the microphone of the bedside unitof this invention.

Chest movement, which is indicative of respiratory effort, is measuredusing a strain gauge in the chest strap. Activity is measured using anycommercially available accelerometer in the chest strap or in a sensorin the bed. Strain gauge and accelerometer measurements are transmittedto the bedside unit in the same manner as the wireless ECG measurements.Additionally, a patient's morning weight can be monitored by a loadsensor in the bed. Thus, congestive heart failure patients, atrialfibrillation patients, and post-myocardial infarction patients can bemonitored at home, allowing early interventions, improved outcomes andmajor cost savings.

Many studies have reported that resting heart rate is intimately relatedto the prognosis of cardiovascular disease. However, the heart rate inthe waking state is influenced by psychological and physical activityand has low reproducibility. Therefore, heart rate should be measuredthroughout sleep with the non-REM values averaged as a time base heartrate. This invention provides for this measurement.

Also, studies have reported a circadian variation in the onset of acutemyocardial infarction, or heart attack, with a peak occurrence in thenumber of heart attacks as the autonomic nervous system wakes up in theearly morning. Atrial fibrillation is the most frequently encounteredcardiac arrhythmia and a major risk factor for stroke and prematuredeath.

Thus, in addition to alerting patients and caregivers of a possibleoncoming heart attack, the bedside monitoring unit of this inventionprovides valuable long-term insight into the cardiac, respiratory, andweight status of patients suffering from cardiovascular disease.Preferably, the cardiovascular disease monitoring method, system andservice of this invention monitors patients suffering from coronaryartery disease and cardiac arrhythmia, especially atrial fibrillation.Also, the cardiovascular disease monitoring method, system and serviceof this invention monitors post-myocardial infarction patients,post-stroke patients, and congestive heart failure patients.

A method of this invention for providing a medical monitoring servicefor cardiovascular disease comprises receiving at a medical monitoringservice location, signals comprising cardiovascular patterns wherein thecardiovascular pattern signals are relayed out a communications port ofa bedside home health monitoring unit, and analyzing the signals forchanges to determine when the signals indicate a medical response isrequired. Nonexclusive examples of cardiovascular patterns monitoredinclude the breathing patterns described for asthma and COPD as well asbeat-to-beat R-wave intervals, QRS duration, chest movement-respiratoryeffort, and activity. The combination of R-wave interval and QRSduration provides the fundamental information necessary for cardiacrhythm analysis thus providing for the detection of atrial fibrillationand conditions such as ventricular tachycardia.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or sleepdisordered breathing (SDB) has garnered increasing attention as itsrelationship to other diseases has become better understood. Significantpercentages of coronary artery disease patients, congestive heartfailure patients, post-stroke patients and drug-resistant hypertensivepatients have OSA/SDB. Recent studies have demonstrated that therapy forOSA improves congestive heart failure in patients with both problems.The only way to diagnose OSA/SBD has been in expensive sleep units inhospitals or attended in-home sleep studies. Most experts believe thatthis problem is significantly under-diagnosed and under-treated.

A sleep apnea monitoring system of this invention utilizes the samebasic bedside unit as described for monitoring asthma. In a preferredembodiment, the system is modified to include the chest strap asdescribed for monitoring cardiovascular disease.

A method of this invention for providing a medical monitoring servicefor sleep apnea is basically the same as the medical monitoring servicefor asthma, modified in that the acoustic breathing pattern changesindicating a medical response is needed are different for sleep apneacompared to asthma. Preferably the monitoring service also monitorssignals from the chest strap for R-R interval and chest movementindicating respiratory effort.

Personal Computer Systems

Many residences in the U.S. and other countries have anInternet-connected personal computer. This number continues to grow,albeit at a slower rate than over the last ten years. The presentinvention provides a screen-saver or other program which can bepurchased from a retail distributor or downloaded from a Web site. Whenthe program activates, it will utilize the microphone and sound cardthat has been standard on all PCs since the mid 1990s to monitor forspecific alarm sounds. In a preferred embodiment, the program detectsthe ISO/ANSI smoke detector audio signal; however, the program detectsother audio alert-producing devices such as motion sensors, alertpendants, and door and window sensors, in addition to smoke detectors,by either learning new alarm sounds or drawing on a pre-existing libraryof alarm sounds. Upon detecting the audio alert, the program sends ane-mail or Internet instant message of the user's design to an addressselected by the user. In another embodiment, the program detects healthindicating parameters, preferably breathing-related sounds, and relaysthe parameters to a health monitoring service.

An alarm monitoring system, including an alarm monitor and memorydevice, in accordance with the present invention is represented in FIG.5. Such system can be used to implement the method of the presentinvention for monitoring for alarm sounds with a personal computer. Thiscan also be used for implementing a method for providing for alarmmonitoring in a residence in accordance with the present invention. Suchsystem, monitor, and memory device may be used for other purposes, andthe methods of the present invention can be implemented in other mannersas well.

Referring to FIG. 5, a user site 56 includes a sound emitting alarmevent detector 58 and a personal computer 60. The sound emitting alarmevent detector 58 detects an alarm event and emits a sound having one ormore identifiable characteristics or specifications. Examples of soundemitting alarm event detectors and alarms useful in the presentinvention include, but are not limited to, fire detector alarms, severeweather alarms, burglar or intruder detector alarms, carbon dioxidealarms and personal alarms as described in the preceding sections.Non-limiting examples of sound emitting fire detectors includeresidential smoke detectors and heat detectors. With regard to a smokedetector, for example, it is preferably one that provides apredetermined sound output such as in accordance with the National FireAlarm Code three-pulse code known in the art. Non-limiting examplesinclude smoke detectors providing single tone signals that are pulsed onand off, such as tones within the frequency range between 1 kilohertzand 4 kilohertz and with a pulse modulation rate between 3 and 8 hertz.

Non-limiting examples of severe weather alarms include sirens andemergency warning systems sounded by cities and other municipalities.These sirens can be quite effective when one is outside and near thesound source. However, sirens lose their effectiveness with distance andcan become difficult to hear when the listener is inside a residence andpossibly asleep.

Non-limiting examples of burglar or intruder detectors include aglass-breaking sensor, a door or window open sensor, and a motion sensorsuch as a passive infrared motion detector as previously described. Asnoted previously, the door-open sensor can also be activated by a childcoming home from school rather than a burglar or intruder. In this case,the working parent can be notified that his/her child is home.

The present invention can also be implemented to respond to a personalalarm such as might be worn by an elderly person and activated when theperson requires emergency assistance. For example, when such a personfalls, cannot get up and cannot reach a phone, the person may sound analarm using a device worn on the body or attached to the person'sclothing. Such devices are available in retail stores such asRadioShack®.

The present invention can also be implemented to respond to other soundproducers as well. Non-limiting examples include a doorbell, atelephone, a dog's bark, and a person's voice.

Of whatever type, the detector 58 or other sound source preferablyprovides an output sound having at least one identifiable ordistinguishing characteristic so that the sound can be detected asdefining the occurrence of an alarm event. If the alarm is a standardsignal such as one specified by the National Fire Alarm Code, the choiceof alarm to be monitored can be selected from a list of audible alarmoptions during setup of a specialized sound monitoring computer program.Alternatively, the alarm to be monitored can be activated by a personalcomputer user for setup purposes such that the sound is detected by thecomputer in a learning mode and identified as indicating an alarm event.The alarm sound to be monitored, whether selected or “learned,” can bereset at any time and is not restricted to the sound selected duringinitial setup.

The present invention can also be implemented to monitor healthindicating parameters of an individual. In this case, the specializedsound monitoring program is modified to identify health indicatingparameters such as breathing rate, breathing sound frequency spectrum,snoring and coughing. The identified health indicating parameters arerelayed through the communication port of the personal computer to amedical monitoring service.

Another device that can be included in the present invention is arepeater to relay sound. A non-limiting example is a conventional babymonitor positioned in a house to relay sound from a smoke detector (orother alarm-indicating sound source) to a microphone connected to thepersonal computer 60. Another example is a conventional baby monitorpositioned near the bedside of an individual to relay breathingparameters to a microphone connected to a personal computer located inanother part of the house.

The personal computer 60 of the present invention is preferably oneprovided with an integral or integrated microphone; however, other typesof personal computers having microphones can also be used. Moregenerally, “personal computer” as used in this description and in theclaims encompasses any digital apparatus having a microprocessor anddesigned to be used by one person at a time. Preferably the personalcomputer uses a screen saver or other inactivity program, senses useractivity and goes to an inactive state when there is no input activityduring a predetermined time period. Non-limiting examples from existingtechnology include: palmtop, notebook, laptop and desktop computers;personal digital assistants; wireless communication equipment; and anyother digitally intelligent apparatus in the home or workplace that candetect ambient sound and accept user programs. Preferably, the personalcomputer can access the Internet or other global communication network.

Referring to FIG. 5, preferable features of such apparatus include oneor more of the following: microprocessor per se or other digitallyimplemented controller or central processing unit (cpu) 62, memory 64,microphone 66, user input apparatus 68, and one or more output devicessuch as a display 70 or a communications port 72. The cpu 62 is anysuitable digital control apparatus capable of controlling or functioningwithin the operations described in this specification.

The memory 64 provides the storage substrate for program storage spaceand operational working space, and it can be implemented by one or morememory devices compatible with the selected cpu. Referring to FIG. 5,the storage space is used for storing system software 74 (e.g.,Windows-brand or Apple-brand operating systems), application programs 76(e.g., word processing programs), utility programs 78 (e.g., devicedrivers), and a sound monitoring program 80 of the present invention.The sound monitoring program 80 can be made to run in the backgroundsuch that the personal computer is free to interact with the user andrun other programs in the foreground. Preferably, the sound monitoringprogram 80 is a specialized inactivity program such that operation ofthe specialized inactivity program is initiated only during periods ofcomputer user inactivity regarding the personal computer input and thespecialized inactivity program includes a screen saver routine suitablydefined for use in what can be otherwise conventional hardware andsoftware of the personal computer.

The microphone 66 used in the personal computer 60 of the presentinvention connects to a conventional sound processing card providinganalog to digital conversion by which the analog alarm-indicating soundwaveform is converted into a digitized file stored in the memory 64under control of the cpu 62. One example of this is a 16-bit signalacquisition card with selectable sampling frequency.

User input apparatus 68 of the personal computer can include, forexample, a keyboard, a mouse, a light pen, a touch screen, or othersuitable interface connected in known manner with the cpu 62.

The output device(s) are driven under control of the cpu 62 and they caninclude, for example, a conventional display, such as the monitor orother display screen 70, a speaker, or other device for providingexternal communication. The output device preferably also provides oneor more communication ports 72 through which desirable communicationscan be made to, for example, the Internet or its World Wide Web, a pagersystem, a telephone system, or another e-mail system. Such communicationcan be via a wireless or hard-wired medium at any suitable bandwidth;however, a broadband communication is preferred.

One example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention includesa smoke detector alarm, a conventional desktop personal computer withmicrophone, a screen saver program of the present invention stored inmemory of the personal computer, a broadband communication link from anoutput port of the personal computer, and a central receiving ormonitoring station 82. Such central receiving station is illustrated inFIG. 4 and includes a computer having a plurality of sound monitoringscreen saver programs stored in it. This can be a pre-existing ordedicated Internet site or other dedicated computer with which the localpersonal computer at the user site can communicate. Alarm notificationmessages e.g., smoke, intrusion or personal emergency, are received andacted upon by the dedicated computer automatically or by a human who ismonitoring the dedicated computer either on site or remotely via a wiredor wireless connection to the computer. For example, emergency personnelmay be dispatched for certain alarm notification messages.

Because typically there is a plurality of user sites, FIG. 5 alsoillustrates other user sites 56 a-56 n that can be included in thesystem of the present invention. Each of the sites preferably includesat least one respective conventional personal computer having amicrophone, system software and means for communicating with thecomputer at the central receiving station, such as to download from thecomputer at the central receiving station a respective one of the soundmonitoring programs, preferably a background or a screen saverapplication, compatible with the system software in the respectivepersonal computer or otherwise to communicate with the central receivingstation. Each of these user sites further preferably includes at leastone smoke detector (or other detectable sound producer) that emits acharacteristic sound in response to detecting smoke (or providing otherevent notification) at the respective site. Such sound is detected bythe microphone of the respective personal computer, but it is processedwithin the respective personal computer only in response to therespective downloaded (or otherwise previously loaded) sound monitoringprogram running in the foreground or background of the personalcomputer, and only during user inactivity periods if the soundmonitoring program is a screen saver application. In such a network ofcomputers, each station computer becomes a safety or security node thatcan generate its own signals as well as pass on signals it has received(either electronically or via its own speakers, for example).

A sound monitoring program disposed on a memory substrate used in apersonal computer in accordance with the present invention isillustrated in FIG. 6 as including indicia display control means 84,alarm sound determining means 86, response communicating means 88,application program closing means 90, and status signal generating means92.

The indicia display control means 84 includes instructional signalsencoded on the memory for cooperatively functioning with the systemsoftware of the personal computer to control what indicia are displayedon the display of the personal computer. For example, it may bedesirable to indicate by a display when the sound monitoring program isrunning and functioning properly or when an alarm condition is detected.In a screen saver application of the sound monitoring program, theindicia display control means 84 includes instructional signals encodedon the memory for cooperatively functioning with the system software ofthe personal computer to control what indicia are displayed on thedisplay of the personal computer during user inactivity periods. Thesefirst instructional signals can include signals defining advertisingindicia to be displayed on the display of the personal computer. Suchadvertising can be used to pay for the costs of the programming orservices of a business providing use of the present invention.

The alarm sound determining means 86 includes instructional signalsencoded on the memory for cooperatively functioning with the systemsoftware to determine when sound received through the microphone of thepersonal computer is an alarm sound. Such signals can be implemented toprovide intelligent signal processing, such as including stored oruser-generated templates or a library of alarm templates defined bytables, or algorithms for processing the digitized sound signal receivedthrough the microphone of the personal computer. The acoustic signalrecognition technology utilized is basically the same as described forthe bedside unit, but modified as necessary for use in a personalcomputer.

The response communicating means 88 includes instructional signalsencoded on the memory for cooperatively functioning with the systemsoftware to communicate responsive signals from the personal computerwhen an alarm sound is determined. Responsive signals are basically thesame as those described for the bedside units.

The application program closing means 90 enables the responsecommunicating means 88 to be dedicated to communicating responsivesignals when an alarm sound is determined. To provide this, the soundmonitoring program, and particularly the application program closingmeans of it, includes instructional signals encoded on the memory forcooperatively functioning with the system software to close applicationprograms running on the personal computer at the time the soundmonitoring program determines an alarm sound. This is particularlyimportant in instances where the response communicating means is tied upwith another application when an alarm sound is determined, for example,when the personal computer is already connected to an Internet site atthe time a smoke detector alarm is determined.

The status signal generating means 92 includes instructional signalsencoded on the memory substrate for cooperatively functioning with thesystem software to generate status signals to be transmitted to a remotelocation to indicate operational status of the personal computer whenthe sound monitoring program is in operation in the personal computer.

Further details of the foregoing will become apparent in the followingexplanation referring to FIGS. 7-10.

Referring to FIG. 7, this represents communications between the centralreceiving station 82 when it is active and the personal computer 60 atone of the user sites. Initially, the personal computer 60 at the usersite does not include a sound monitoring program in accordance with thepresent invention. Such program is, however, eventually loaded on thepersonal computer 60 by local or remote loading. To provide such programin one embodiment of the invention, the central receiving station 82monitors communications to determine if it has received from thepersonal computer 60 a program load command, such as via the Internet towhich both the control receiving station and the user site personalcomputer are connected in this example. If it has received a programload command, the central receiving station 82 transmits the specializedsound monitoring program compatible with the operating system of therespective personal computer. That is, in a particular implementationthe sound monitoring program is downloaded from the Internet Web siteinto the personal computer having conventional hardware and systemsoftware with which the sound monitoring program is functionallycompatible. If the sound monitoring program is a screen saverapplication, the sound monitoring screen saver program is downloadedfrom the Internet Web site into the personal computer and made thedefault operational program for each time the computer goes into itsrelevant user inactivity mode. Part of the program load command from thepersonal computer 60 can include credit card or other paymentinformation by which a provider of the screen saver program or downloadservice can receive payment.

The central receiving station 82 can also download other encodedsignals. For example, it can transmit from the Internet site to thepersonal computer 60 digitally encoded advertising indicia signals suchthat the sound monitoring screen saver program automatically causesadvertising indicia to be displayed through the display of the personalcomputer when the sound monitoring screen saver program is running. Thiscan be an additional or alternative means for paying for use of thepresent invention.

The central receiving station 82 also monitors for status signals fromthe remote user sites 56, 56 a-56 n. The central receiving station cangenerate status inquiries or the remote sites can automatically contactthe central station and send status signals, such as tones or “pings” tosignify proper operation. As shown in FIG. 7, if the status of arespective personal computer is not okay, the personal computer loops torecheck its status or performs some remedial operation, such as a rebootif so programmed. If the status is okay, the status signal is providedto the central receiving station and the personal computer at the usersite determines whether an alarm signal has been received. If not, thepersonal computer returns to check its status and repeats the foregoing.If an alarm signal has been received, notification is sent to thecentral receiving station and a delay (not shown) is implemented toprevent multiple notifications being sent for the same detected alarmevent. As shown in FIG. 7, once the delay time has expired, the personalcomputer loops to recheck its status. The central receiving stationmonitors the Internet (if that is the communication link) to detectstatus signals sent from the personal computer to the Internet site ofthe central station, and it can be programmed to transmit a statusnotification from the central station Internet site when status signalsare not received during a monitoring period. When the central receivingstation receives an alarm indicating signal sent from the personalcomputer, the central receiving station can transmit a notificationsignal. The signals sent from the central station Internet site can beof any suitable type such as, without limitation, pager, telephone, ore-mail or other Internet transmissions. These communications can bedirected to community authorities, such as the police or firedepartment, and they can be sent to the home owner/business owner (e.g.,instant messages, e-mail, phone, cell phone “hotmail,” 911, etc.).

Once a notification is sent from the user site, the respective personalcomputer 60 waits a predetermined delay time (e.g., thirty seconds) toavoid multiple notifications for the same event. The personal computer60 then repeats the process as illustrated in FIG. 7. In the case of afalse alarm, alarm transmission may be halted, for example, by enteringa code on the keyboard. The indicia display control means 84 may cause amessage to be displayed on the display 70 notifying users of the needfor a key code entry if the alarm is false. This is useful in instanceswhen an event such as cooking sets off the smoke alarm. Additionally,speakers attached to the personal computer may echo the alarm to enhancethe audibility and notify users of the need for a key code entry if thealarm is false.

FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram for the process by which a respectivepersonal computer 60, which has been turned on, initiates use of thesound monitoring screen saver program of the present invention that hasbeen loaded in the personal computer. In a preferred embodiment, thisprogram initiation occurs conventionally under control of the normaloperating programs of the personal computer by which user inactivity isdetermined. For example, if a keyboard entry is not entered within acertain time period, the computer initiates the user inactivity program.When the sound monitoring program is a screen saver application, alarmor other sound monitoring does not occur except when the user inactivityprogram is running, and therefore only sporadic monitoring for suchsounds occurs. That is, it is sporadic because monitoring occurs usingthe screen saver application only during user inactivity. Suchinactivity period is distinguishable from other personal computer timerfeatures that may shut down the monitor, disk drives or other componentsof the personal computer to minimize power consumption. The userinactivity period to which the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention pertains is that by which the display screen is simply blankedor otherwise placed under control of a screen saver program. Typicallythis is a time-out event occurring because an externally generated inputis not received by the personal computer within a predetermined timeperiod during operation of the personal computer (e.g., a user fails topress a keyboard key within a predetermined time period).

Referring to FIG. 9, once the inactivity program of the illustratedpreferred embodiment is running, it controls the display image shown onthe display of the personal computer, it may close running applicationprograms if necessary to enable detection of and response to alarmconditions, it sends status signals if the personal computer is properlyoperating, it detects alarm conditions via sound picked up by themicrophone connected to the personal computer, and it provides one ormore responses. More detailed aspects of these are shown in the flowdiagram of FIG. 10.

In a preferred embodiment, controlling the display image includesdisplaying advertising indicia on a display screen of the conventionalhardware during such periods of computer user inactivity and in responseto the operating of the initiated sound monitoring screen saver program.This includes using the running screen saver program for displayingadvertising indicia on a display screen of the personal computer. Theadvertising indicia are encoded in the sound monitoring screen saverprogram.

Closing the running application programs includes using the soundmonitoring program for controlling the closing of running applicationprograms in the personal computer if necessary to enable detection ofand response to alarm conditions. The sound monitoring programdetermines the need to close application programs but may default tosettings that are specified by the user in a setup mode.

To send a status signal, the method of this preferred embodimentperiodically generates and sends out the communications port of thepersonal computer status signals during periods when the soundmonitoring program or the sound monitoring screen saver program isoperating properly within the personal computer. In one implementationthis includes generating and sending tone signals to the centralreceiving station to indicate proper functioning of the sound monitoringprogram and personal computer.

To detect an alarm condition, the microphone of the personal computerreceives ambient sound. Alarm detection occurs under operation of thesound monitoring program in conjunction with at least portions of theconventional hardware and systems software in the personal computer 60.In a preferred embodiment, alarm detection occurs only during periods ofcomputer user inactivity and under operation of the initiated soundmonitoring screen saver program in conjunction with at least portions ofthe conventional hardware and systems software in the personal computer60. Referring to FIG. 10, if an alarm condition is sensed, a delay orother analysis can be made to determine that it really is an actualalarm condition. If it is, a response is generated and sent, and then asubsequent delay is implemented to prevent multiple alarm signals beingsent for the same alarm event. These delays can be for any suitabletime, one non-limiting example of which is thirty seconds.

In detecting an alarm condition, the digitized file for themicrophone-sensed sound waveform is compared in the personal computer toa predetermined template or other means for analyzing the detected soundand determining whether it represents an actual alarm event. This caninclude an algorithm that detects the presence of an alarm signal. Apossible algorithm (1) transforms the sensed sound signal to thefrequency domain by a series of Fast Fourier Transforms, (2) integratesand dumps the channels periodically to produce a spectrogram type array,and (3) examines the array to locate linear features that may be alarmsignals. This can include rolling Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) whichenable the screen saver program to be trainable. Real-time detectionalgorithms applied to the digitized audio signals include frequencyanalysis (FFT), time-frequency analysis (running FFT), neural networks,correlation, matched filtering and other standard and advanced signaldetection techniques. Such programs can learn what a specific alarmsounds like and form a template. This can also be used to adjust thesensitivity threshold for detection depending upon background audionoise level or other interference such as echos drowning the modulationof a standard smoke alarm.

When an alarm event is detected, the personal computer 60 provides aresponse. This is done using the running sound monitoring program. Thisincludes generating and sending alarm indicating signals to the centralreceiving station 82, such as may be accessible via an Internet addressencoded within the sound monitoring program. Such an alarm signal andautomatic sending are preferably not contrary to any authorizedautomatic dialing technique. Many municipalities do not allow unlicensedauto-dial type equipment to call directly to police or fire servicephones; thus, in such case the computer generated calls would need to berouted to a licensed alarm monitoring service company, which could inturn properly handle further notification to the authorities or toindividuals, such as homeowners or business owners responsible for thelocations where the user site personal computers are located.

The present invention can also be provided with an override featurewhereby the alarm monitoring or the sending of an alarm signal can behalted if the personal computer is suitably actuated, such as byentering a key code via the keyboard within a certain time of the alarmdetection.

Local responses can also be provided, such as by audible signalstransmitted through the personal computer's speaker(s) under suitablevolume control.

In still another preferred embodiment, a personal computer, preferably aPocket PC Phone product, combines the sound monitoring program or screensaver of this invention with the dedicated alerting, wakeup andmonitoring bedside unit described previously. This product provides forportable, wireless monitoring of smoke detectors and other audioalert-producing devices. This type of product can provide monitoring inportable or temporary buildings where wired phone line access is notavailable. Also, it can have both AC and 24 hours of battery backuppower so that it meets the NFPA National Fire Alarm Code for firemonitoring systems. The product optionally utilizes a Global System forMobile Communications (GSM) world phone wireless capability so it couldbe sold world-wide, and can include a Global Positioning System (GPS)receiver so that the wireless alerts can also provide the location ofthe product to fire or emergency personnel. The GPS aspect can also beused to identify where a given asset is located for insurance or lendingcollateral verification purposes.

Another embodiment of the present invention combines a personalcomputer, preferably a Pocket PC or Smart Phone product having the soundmonitoring program of this invention, with a personal alert pendant anda GPS receiver. Such a system provides emergency alerts that include thelocation of the individual requiring assistance. While the personalalert is generally activated by an individual requiring immediateassistance, the system can also be adapted to be activated by a“break-in” of an automobile, thus providing notice of an attempted theftas well as the location of the car involved in the theft.

Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects andattain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherenttherein. While preferred embodiments of the invention have beendescribed for the purpose of this disclosure, changes in theconstruction and arrangement of parts and the performance of steps canbe made by those skilled in the art, which changes are encompassedwithin the spirit of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A method for providing for alarm monitoring in a residence,comprising: receiving at an Internet site a program load command from aconventional personal computer at a residence; transmitting from theInternet site to the personal computer, in response to the program loadcommand, an alarm sound monitoring program for installation on thepersonal computer; and receiving at the Internet site an alarmindicating signal sent from the personal computer when the personalcomputer detects an alarm condition using the sound monitoring programand transmitting a notification signal from the Internet site inresponse.
 2. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the sound monitoringprogram is a screen saver program.
 3. A method as defined in claim 1further comprising providing a library of acoustic alarm signatures fromwhich at least one standardized alarm sound is selected during initialsetup.
 4. A method as defined in claim 3 wherein the library of acousticalarm signatures is provided in the sound monitoring program, on a diskand/or on a Web site downloadable to the personal computer.
 5. A methodas defined in claim 1 wherein the alarm sound monitoring programprovides a learning mode during initial setup allowing the alarm soundto be activated, detected and identified as such.
 6. A method as definedin claim 1, wherein the personal computer is selected from the groupconsisting of desk top computers, lap top computers, notebook computers,handheld personal computers, palm tops, pocket computers, personaldigital assistants and smart phones.
 7. A method as defined in claim 1wherein the sound monitoring program is a screen saver program,initiated only during periods of computer user inactivity regardinginput to the personal computer.
 8. A method as defined in claim 1,wherein the alarm sound monitoring program includes digital acousticsignature recognition instructions comprising a technique selected fromthe group consisting of matched filtering, cross correlation, and neuralnetworking.
 9. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein transmitting anotification signal from the Internet comprises communicating to atelecommunication number or e-mail address designated for the personalcomputer.